NRL faces pressure to address Latrell Mitchell and Spencer Leniu’s $30,000 refusal ahead of Origin

The NRL is facing mounting pressure to demand that footy stars Latrell Mitchell and Spencer Leniu end their media blackout ahead of Origin 2 in Perth.

Both players have undertaken self-imposed media bans, with Mitchell not speaking to press at all this year and Leniu not fronting reporters since his run-in with Jonathan Thurston earlier this season.

The bans have continued through Origin, with hype for the series at an all-time low.

NRL journalist David Riccio has warned that the sport needs to be careful not to stunt itself.

‘The NRL need to be careful with State of Origin because what we saw in Origin 1 was the closest thing we’ve seen to an NRL game,’ Riccio said on SEN.

‘The media build-up and promotion is critical to the hype and excitement before the game, but it’s become so boring and so vanilla.

‘We’re not hearing from the actual players. The game has a responsibility to ensure the actual superstars promote the game and sell the game.

‘ … We can’t allow Game 2 to unfold the way the first one did, This game has to be an absolute spectacle to win over the West Australian public.’

Footy legend Matty Johns added that players are getting paid $30,000 for an Origin match, so should be made to do media duties. 

‘If you’re getting paid that money, I think it’s your responsibility to talk,’ he said. 

‘And it’s your responsibility to build the game up.’

Riccio stressed the importance of Origin 2 in Perth succeeding – especially since the city will have a new NRL team in 2027.

‘We can’t allow Game 2 to unfold the way the first one did,’ he said.

‘This game has to be an absolute spectacle to win over the West Australian public.’